SEIU Delegates Celebrate

I just thought I'd share one of my favorite images taken during Barack Obama's speech to SEIU delegates and guests this morning. It pretty much sums up the mood on the floor. You can watch the full video on UStream.tv.

Fired UP

 

Posted By: Jess Kutch on 6/4/2008 1:14:00 PM

Sen. Barack Obama

Fired Up! Ready to Go!

I've returned to my post on the Convention floor (literally—I'm on the carpet). We just finished watching a fantastic video montage on Obama's life story, narrated by various SEIU leaders, member activists, friends and allies.

The film included Local 1 President Tom Balanoff and SEIU Field Director Madeline Talbott, who reflected on a pivotal moment in Obama's national political career—his speech at the Democratic National Committee Convention in 2004. Watching a clip of that speech here, in San Juan, with thousands of dedicated SEIU members and progressive allies, helped bring home Obama's message of uniting together for change.

The film ended with Obama leading members at the 2007 MPAC in a familiar chant for SEIU delegates: "Fired up! Ready to go!" Within seconds, delegates on the floor joined in, jumping to their feet, chanting and clapping in thunderous unison.

 

Posted By: Jess Kutch on 6/4/2008 10:08:00 AM

Sen. Barack Obama

Awaiting Obama

San Juan Star

SEIU members are decked out in their SEIU Obama t-shirts today, awaiting the live feed of Sen. Barack Obama to the SEIU Convention this morning. News of Obama's clinching of the Democratic nomination spread quickly through the crowds last night, and was the topic of conversation on my bus ride to and from the hotel. 

Adding to the anticipation of Obama's arrival, the front page of local San Juan Star featured Obama's nomination victory speech.

You can tune in to Sen. Barack Obama's speech, streaming live on the web, at www.seiu2008.org.

 

Posted By: Jess Kutch on 6/4/2008 8:45:00 AM

Sen. Barack Obama

A Full Day of Debate



I've been bobbing in and out of the main floor today, where members have been engaged in a robust debate over the future of their union. Below are just a few of the historic changes overwhelmingly passed today:

1. A member action and leadership program that commits local unions to increase the percentage of members in leadership roles to 10%.

2. Member Resource Centers which will help locals be more responsive to members' needs by providing professional representation in their language of choice – and make more resources available for member action, bargaining and organizing.

3. During the Iraq war debate, several members spoke out who've lost family members as a result of the conflict—resulting in some tearful moments on the floor. Delegates voted resoundingly in favor of bringing U.S. troops home immediately.

I just left the floor—it's 5:20pm, and delegates are still speaking on the floor, passionately debating proposals. The latest is a proposal to unite long term care workers into one local in every state, in order to achieve bigger gains for workers by improving our ability to work with allies, government bodies, consumers and employers. It's a testament to the dedication of SEIU members, and the spirit of our union.

 

Posted By: Jess Kutch on 6/3/2008 5:27:00 PM

A Nursing Report on Our Healthcare System

We're deep into another round of voting by SEIU delegatesthis time on a wide range of amendments and resolutions related to SEIU's fight for healthcare reform. Cathy Glasson, RN, of SEIU Local 199 in Iowa, just rose in favor Resolution 105B and 118. Cathy introduced herself in true RN fashionwith a nursing report typically written during a hospital's change of shift:

"I'd like to give a nursing report on the state of our current healthcare system."

"Patient admitted over 20 years ago in declining health, now in critical condition, deteriorating rapidly. Patient has weak, thready pulse. It's been hemorrhaging its RNs for past 20 plus years. Plan to transfuse with SEIU members immediately and resuscitate the patient."

She continued, "It's not only my responsibility, but my duty to stand up and lead in the fight for quality, affordable healthcare for alland that's exactly what I plan to do."

SEIU delegates voted, passing resolution 105B and 118.

 

Posted By: Jess Kutch on 6/3/2008 1:53:00 PM